Julia Gillard hypocritical on boat deaths
6th July, 2010
Today Julia Gillard has stated that the Coalition’s policy to turn back the boats was one of “leaving children to drown”.Yet last October when I raised the very serious point that at least 25 people had died on the high seas trying to get to Australia since Labor weakened its border policies, Ms Gillard was singing a rather different tune.
Last October 18, Ms Gillard told the Nine Network’s Sunday program that I had made “one of the most irresponsible and dangerous statements I think I’ve ever heard in Australian politics” and I should apologise for the “ridiculous and vile slur” that Labor’s policy had in some way caused those deaths.
Tragically that loss of life among asylum seekers heading to Australia by boat has reportedly risen to more than 150 as Labor’s patchwork policy has failed – and will continue to fail - to deter people smuggling.
The world is watching the different border protection approaches outlined today, and will see the Coalition’s clear plan to stop the boats and the Gillard Government’s repainting of the “welcome” sign.
People smugglers would not be deterred by Labor’s patchwork policy, and people will still risk their lives on the high seas until the Coalition is returned to power.
Look to the record. In government, the Coalition found a problem and created a solution. In government, Labor found a solution and created a problem.
In government, the Coalition’s strong but fair measures slowed the number of boat arrivals to a trickle. Since Labor came to power and introduced a system drawn up by Julia Gillard, the number of boat arrivals has hit 143.
It is now obvious that border protection needs significant strengthening to get our borders under control. Labor has had three or four shots at this and failed every time.
Our policy involves offshore processing, temporary protection visas and preparedness to turn back the boats where the circumstances allow.
A Coalition Government will make a presumption against granting refugee status to any applicant believed to have deliberately discarded identity documentation prior to presenting themselves to Australian authorities. All those who fail the test of legitimacy must be returned home.
The Coalition will provide a home for genuine refugees through a generous resettlement program. We will give preference to those who apply offshore from camps, rather than those who jump the queue and arrive by boats or other means.
Like so many other Labor programs, the cost of dealing with thousands and thousands of boat arrivals is out of control, blowing out by at least $1 billion. In government, the Coalition will again act to clean up Labor’s mess, Mr Truss said.
